Let’s get this straight:

Kaziranga is popular.

Manas is personal.

Here, you don’t just go on safari. You ride into stories — of tribal legends, of rebel tigers, of forests that healed after war, and of nature doing her thing with full pride, zero filter.

Where Is Manas?

• Located in Baksa district, Assam

• Borders Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan — so wildlife roams freely across countries

• Lies in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas

• Covers ~950 sq km core area, part of the larger Manas Tiger Reserve (2,837 sq km)

It’s named after the Manas River, a major tributary of the Brahmaputra — and trust me, this river doesn’t just flow, it sings.

UNESCO World Heritage Status

• Inscribed: 1985

• Briefly listed as World Heritage in Danger (due to past conflicts)

• Restored and relisted after incredible conservation efforts

Why?

“Manas represents the rich biodiversity of the eastern Himalayan foothills and supports rare and endangered species not found elsewhere.”

Including some extremely rare stars. Let’s meet them.

Wildlife – Rare, Real, and Ridiculously Beautiful

This park is home to 21 of India’s Schedule I species, meaning top-tier VIP wildlife.

Royal Bengal Tiger

• Yes, Manas is a Project Tiger Reserve

• Tigers here are shy and wild, not showy

• But tracking signs? Goosebumps.

One-Horned Rhinoceros

• Manas lost most rhinos during the insurgency years

• But thanks to Project Rhino, they’re making a comeback

Asian Elephants

• Large herds often spotted near the riverbanks

• Sometimes, they cross into Bhutan — passport-free pachyderms

Also Starring:

• Clouded leopard (rare and dreamy)

• Himalayan black bear

• Golden langur – only found here and Bhutan

• Wild water buffalo, gaur, hog deer, sambar, barking deer Birds? Oh yes.

• Over 450 species

• Hornbills, kingfishers, bulbuls, serpent eagles, Bengal florican (critically endangered!)

• Plus ducks, geese, jungle fowl, and migrant specials in winter

Habitat Drama – Forests, Grasslands, Rivers

Manas isn’t one type of forest. It’s like five ecosystems threw a party:

• Alluvial grasslands

• Moist deciduous forests

• Semi-evergreen forests

• Sub-Himalayan mountain forest

• Wetlands and floodplains

Every corner of the park looks completely different, and that's the magic.

Safari Time – Jeep or Elephant?

Jeep Safari

• Morning and evening slots

• Entry from Bansbari (Baksa) — main tourist zone

• Trails along forest and Manas River

• Spot elephants, deer, peacocks, and if you're really lucky... cats

Elephant Safari

• Shorter, slower, very raw

• Ideal for close-up rhino views

• Available only in limited zones

And yes — guided nature walks are also an option near the fringe zones.

Best Photo Spots

• Elephants crossing the river at sunrise

• Mist-covered Sal forest canopy

• Golden langur in motion (if you can catch that moment!)

• Manas River winding through grasslands

• Tribal villages bordering the park — slow life, strong culture

Where to Eat?

No cafés in the forest — only resort kitchens and local homestays nearby.

Recommended:

• Florican Cottages Dining – Simple Assamese thali: rice, dal, fish curry, aloo bhaji

• Smiling Tusker Eco Camp – Organic, homely, filling

• Bansbari Lodge kitchen – Great tea, better views

Try:

• Black rice kheer

• Fish cooked in bamboo

• Local red rice with mustard greens

How to Reach Manas?

Entry via Bansbari, near Barpeta Road town

By Air:

• Nearest airport: Guwahati (136 km)

• Take cab or bus via Rangiya

By Train:

• Barpeta Road railway station (44 km from gate)

• Trains from Guwahati and major northeast junctions

By Road:

• From Guwahati: 5-hour scenic drive via NH27

• Roads are fine till Barpeta — then jungle begins!

Where to Stay?

Not commercial. But eco and earthy.

Florican Cottages

Right near the park gate, run by conservationists

Smiling Tusker Eco Camp

Tent-style stay with full forest immersion

Bansbari Lodge

Heritage vibes, old-school jungle lodge feels

Homestays in fringe villages

Great for local food, cultural stories, and budget travellers

Entry & Timing Info

• Open: November to April (closed during monsoon)

• Jeep safari: ₹3,000–₹4,000 per vehicle

• Elephant ride: ₹1,200–₹2,000

• Entry fee: ₹50–₹100 (Indian), ₹500+ (Foreigner)

• Camera fee: Extra

• Guides are compulsory (and worth every rupee)

Final Thoughts – Wild, Wounded, and Wonderful Again

Manas is not for checklist travellers.

It’s for those who want to sit quietly by a river, hear the forest breathe, and maybe see a rare bird flap across international borders.

It’s a park that:

• Survived conflict and rose again

• Cares more about peace than popularity

• And lets the animals be animals, far from the tourist rush

With Nadodigal, we don’t just enter forests — we earn them, step by soft step, breath by breath, with full respect.